Key factors to consider before buying a Randall Knife

Before buying a Randall Knife, consider key factors like blade type, handle material, and overall quality. These buying tips will help you make the best choice.
If you are in the market for a Randall Made Knife, you should watch this to learn about some of the things you can do to the knife to make it more user-friendly and maybe save some money by doing some things that the shop would do for your, but at a big price increase. Sure, these are great knives and a lot of fun, but that does not mean you can't take a file to them and a little sandpaper and make it more your own. Go for it.
Here is one of the guard-shortening videos:
Randall Made Knife Guard Shortening. Model 28.
• Randall Made Knife Gua...
Here is another one on a different knife:
Randall Made Knives Guard Chopped Off. Model 3-5
• Randall Made Knives Gu...
And yet another one you may like:
Did I just destroy a Randall Made Knife?
• Did I just destroy a R...
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[@noblast1967]

I got a model 15 Airman for myself when I graduated EOD school in 1991. Found it on display in a knife shop in Carmel, CA. Used it almost everyday than gave it to my son when he graduated EOD school. I love that knife…

[@knifetimestory]

@noblast1967 that’s a great story! Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment!

[@ypaulbrown]

I bought a model 15 from the factory in 1977, I walked in and waited 3 weeks to get it…still own it

[@eugenevictortooms4174]

I would normally be against modifying a Randall, but you do a very nice job with your mods. The work you do on your guards looks really good.

[@knifetimestory]

Thank you very kindly! I don’t buy them to be wall hangers ,display case cupcakes or safe queens. I buy them to use them. In order for me to thoroughly enjoy the experience, modifications are absolutely necessary. Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and comment. I truly do appreciate it!

[@johnhughes905]

That Model 28 is just a thing of beauty. the guard, butt, and finish. Just the overall profile. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@knifetimestory]

Glad you like it. The 28 is just a super knife. WAY over priced for what it is, but oh well. I'm smitten. Thank you for watching and leaving a nice comment. I really appreciate it.

[@ypaulbrown]

Outstanding video, cheers from Orlando from a multiple Randall owner since 1976…Paul

[@knifetimestory]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@haveaknifeday]

They have such a fantastic history that I wish more was known of, “military” usage. It’s always interesting to hear the opinions of others about what you do with your knife. Don’t worry, I’m not going to your house and force you to do yours like mine. Just appreciate what is done to achieve what you want on your knife.

[@knifetimestory]

Nice comment. Thank you for it and for watching!!!

[@whiteeaglestudios]

You make a lot of sense and you are danged entertaining. Loved your discussion. Glad I came across your channel.

[@knifetimestory]

You are TOO kind. Thank you for watching and taking the time to write a nice comment. I truly appreciate it.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

"I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken." 👍

[@knifetimestory]

Glad you liked that.

[@kanukkarhu]

Cool information. I'll probably never own a Randall knife, for a few reasons, but I enjoy hearing about them. It's interesting to see your mods. I'd probably do the exact same mods myself - they all make sense. Someone once said something like, "The statistics are amazing: ten out of ten people die." We can't take it with us for sure buddy.

[@knifetimestory]

I had a feeling the statistics were up there pretty high. Bummer. Glad you enjoyed it and are on board with the mods. Hope you are doing well and got your letter to Santa in time!!!

[@kanukkarhu]

@@knifetimestory👍 We have more time for the letters up here - we're much closer to the North Pole...

[@knifetimestory]

Ahhh. I should have figured as much. That's great!

[@SWORD1-cm4vb]

Awesome video Tom. Good mods. Definitely agree on the pouch sheaths for big blades, matter of fact any user blade for that matter. Merry Christmas KTS.

[@knifetimestory]

Thank you very much for watching and as always, leaving a wonderful comment. Glad we are on the same page concerning sheath’s. It really is just common sense! But… There are those who are proving to me that it really isn’t that common. And I just don’t get it. But I’m glad you do! Merry Christmas to you as well and I wish you a very healthy and safe 2024!

[@ypaulbrown]

I lost a Randall Bird and Trout because of a faulty keep on sheath…when I replaced it, I had two keepers put on sheath…it was a beauty I LOST, STAINLESS, NICKLE SILVER HILT, paracord loop and rosewood handle….I was pissed and sad….cheers from Orlando, Paul

[@knifetimestory]

I know the feeling of losing a favorite knife. Ouch. That is a horrible feeling. So sorry about that.

[@TheRealMontgomeryRick]

You’re absolutely correct about Webster Marbles. And no it’s not up for debate. He’s credited by the majority of knife history experts. Ya nailed it sir

[@knifetimestory]

To be honest, I knew I was right. I just like to not come across as some sort of complete know-it-all, when in fact, when it comes to cutlery, I pretty much do. 😂 Thank you for your kind words and for hanging around.

[@vyr01]

my 14 swedge was dull - had it zero ground, now its nice and sharp

[@knifetimestory]

So you actually use that top part?

[@Pablo668]

Great vid. Good to learn a bit about Randall knives. I would like to get one, one day. Prices though? Ouch! I first heard about them reading a story in Blade Magazine decades ago. A knife collector/dealer bought one, found a service number on it and tracked down the former owner who had hocked it many years back. The former owner asked about the price and it was too much, he wanted to by it for his son who was graduating and infantry course somewhere. After talking to the former owner, he mulled over it a bit, then packed it up and sent it to him, possibly with a note about making it easier to contact him for the next time around.

[@knifetimestory]

Great comment. Thank you very much for sharing it.

[@JohnDoesItAll]

You can order one from their website for 400-500 dollars. There's a 4-5 turnaround time but that time will pass regardless so why not. I ordered one last year.

[@ypaulbrown]

Your Mods are well done…cheers…Paul in Orlando

[@knifetimestory]

I appreciate that Paul.

[@Biblicalgiants]

Great video! Do you ever use a pull through sharpener on your Randalls? What do you think of Randall's stainless steel blades?

[@knifetimestory]

Yikes. Pull through sharpener. Never. That being said, I do own one and keep it in my hunting bag, but also a folding DMT sharpener. I guess it is a last resort if I was to break or lose the DMT. I'd almost rather find a nice stone to use as a sharpener in the woods. Maybe one could be okay using one of those on a cheap kitchen knife The only Randall I've ever had break was a Stainless version of the Model 15cdt (cut down tang). The only knife I've had chip an edge was a Model 28 (only comes in stainless). I've never had any sort of failure with the O1 tool steel. It is easier to sharpen, has a better bite when cutting stuff, and strops back to shape beautifully. The stainless can get very sharp, but lacks the "bite" when cutting in my opinion. However, I've enjoyed my latest Model 28 very much and use it a lot. Do I wish they made it in O1? Yes. That in my opinion would be their very best knife. I've asked nicely for it for a long time and gotten nowhere. If you could only have one Randall and were relatively careful with keeping your blade dry and not storing it in a sheath, there is no reason an O1 blade can't last multiple lifetimes. Thanks for watching and the great question. Hope I helped.

[@Biblicalgiants]

@@knifetimestoryThank for the informative response! Well I found an out of production benchmade folding torx wrench tool with a small ceramic pull through sharpener on it. After a dozen swipes on my model 16 it became hair popping sharp which actually did a better job than I could do with my Arkansas stones. I kinda started producing an unwanted recurve on my blade when I used my stones due to my lack of experience with sharpening a large blade such as this model 16. The pull through also didn't scratch my blade like my stones did. Thanks for your time and experience backed information! It's greatly appreciated!

[@knifetimestory]

My pleasure. I tried the pull-through on Swiss Army Knives several times because they dull fast and take an edge easily. After using the sharpener, I looked at the edge and cringed. Sure, the knife was "sharp" but what a gnarly looking edge. I vowed to only do that in the future in a "last resort" sort of way. Glad it worked for you and you know what, if it works, then it works and that is the whole idea. Keep that knife sharp.

[@williambadenoch1439]

I appreciate both your reasoned and finely executed modifications. For me however, I find the factory guard shape fits nicely between index and middle fingers giving me maximum grip security (with thumb on the jimping.) But you're right about kitchen cutting. Blade's a bit thick for neat slicing anyway. I use Opinel for that. Note... just got my model 12 this week. Sheath is logo stamped on the back with logo snaps. But still the old retainer strap that makes re-sheathing a 2 handed proposition. #%@!! Also, my $35 Condor bushlore does all the stuff I need and I can afford to loose it. It's just not a Randall. I enjoy your videos.

[@knifetimestory]

Thank you for the great comment. Glad you like the mods. My latest is the 7-4/1/2. Leather handle. Smaller brother to my 3-5 that I use all the time. This new one is a great slicer and light. Going to make a great EDC as I already put it in a proper sheath. Glad I'm not alone in the hating of Randall sheaths. Sure, the quality is there, but the design is garbage.

[@collector7993]

Totally with you on your thoughts. Good chat mate.

[@knifetimestory]

Much appreciated! Thank you for that. Very kind of you to say!!

[@davidtessier3402]

This guy is great at parties

[@knifetimestory]

Yes he is!

[@brandonmitchell3617]

Good video. I love watching videos about randall knives. I have a 5-5 i got from ebay and a 4 small fish and gamer. They are my 2 favorite knives. I also have a model 3 on the way, should be here in about 4 more years haha. Do you have any on order right now?

[@knifetimestory]

Thanks for sharing your knife collection! Randall knives are truly a classic and it sounds like you have some great pieces. I can't wait to hear how you like the model 3 when it finally arrives! Is it a standard model or did you add any options? I always have them on order.

[@brandonmitchell3617]

@knifetimestory I added options. Honestly I dont remember exacly what they are haha but I know I got a stag handle. The small fish and gamer I did order directly from them. There is a gun shop near Weatherford texas that had like a whole collection once. I pass by there often and I saw a fantastic looking 4-4 with a stag handle. It was old as it had one of the older style sheaths. If it wasn't 1100 bucks I would have bought it. Now I definitely want one like it. Also, It may just be me but for some reason I feel like the older model 3 blades looked better than the new ones. It's like there sleeker or something, can't quite put my finger on what it is.

[@knifetimestory]

Weatherford was awesome at one time. Right up until the government thought it was a good idea to build a superconducting super collider out there. Killed the housing market and vibe of the town. Then, when they discovered that fire ants are attracted to electricity, they had to shut the whole thing down. As for the older knives, I share your thoughts. What I've noticed about them is for the most part the blades are more thickly ground, making them more robust. Sometimes the handles are a little anemic and the choils can be narrow, but that is the fun with these. Each one is different.

[@ParvizMalakouti]

Excellent video.

[@knifetimestory]

Thank you!

[@Veesaki]

Great thoughts ! ❤

[@knifetimestory]

I appreciate that! Thank you for watching!

[@timothypadilla6084]

I completely agree with your mods on the Randall’s you own . It only takes a afternoon of chores with a particular blade to find the sharp edges on it , when you look down at your sore hand and it’s bleeding Or chafed. With that being said to a purist who only collects knives of course they might not like your mods and say the value is deprecated. That doesn’t really hold water if your going to use it , same a your Colt 1911 ,Harley Davidson or a home you bought.User modifications make something you like into something you love. Great video by the way . I will hit the subscribe button.

[@knifetimestory]

Thank you for your nice comment. Yep, hot spots should not exist on a knife. Nothing I own is meant for display or to be kept in a safe. I want to use it before I take a dirt nap. Thank you for subscribing!!

[@propblast82nd]

I got a Randal model 1 decades ago when I was in the military

[@knifetimestory]

Hopefully you use it now for hunting or other tasks.

[@JamesKite-r9o]

I get it. Dang. I've modified plenty of tools to my preference. Those are hard to see in a way ground down after waiting so long for a custom hand made knife.

[@knifetimestory]

Well, I buy them to use, not look at...so I modify them so I can use and enjoy them. Thanks for watching and commenting. I really do appreciate it.

[@zanedclark]

Very nice video. Randall makes some very nice blades. I just checked and there is a 6 year wait. Humm, that would make me 82 when I arrives. I wonder if I would be able to get to the mail box? Guess I'll go out and enjoy my Number 1 for now. zane

[@knifetimestory]

Zane, If I read that correctly, you have a Model 1? Glad you liked the video. As always, thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate your contributions.

[@zanedclark]

@@knifetimestory Yes Tom, Model 1 with stag handle. I got confused with a Ruger Number 1 that I also have. And I have a Model 24 Guardian that I carried during part of my 31 years as LEO. Finding the perfect knife is like trying to find the "perfect packing pistol" (nod to John Taffin). But then that's the fun and healthy addiction isn't it. zane

[@knifetimestory]

Thanks for clearing that up Zane. Cool. Do you use the Model 1?

[@zanedclark]

@@knifetimestory Safe Queen.

[@knifetimestory]

Gotcha.

[@gladeshunter8796]

I’d like to buy a Randall but I can’t stop buying other brands long enough to save up the cash .I’ve wanted a Randall ever since visiting their shop as a kid .

[@knifetimestory]

Make it your resolution for 2024. Every time you are about to pull the trigger on another knife, deposit that $ in a savings account so it is out of sight and out mind. Cool that you visited their shop. I did in 2001.

[@frustratedcalyx1301]

Just do it …it’s wonderfully

[@willcagle-t9q]

Just send in your $50 deposit, pick out your knife and you’ll get it in 2030.

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

Do you treat your leather handles with anything??

[@knifetimestory]

Love. Actually, no. The oil is from my hand over the ear seem to help protect it. If I’m cleaning the blade and the handle gets wet, or it’s raining out, the leather just dries and everything seems fine.

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

@knifetimestory I have a Mac V Bowie knife made by Bark River that I've used for years. The leather handle has shrunken ever so slightly and I was considering treating it with Butcher Block conditioner. As I know some other knife enthusiasts in the past would use that on their stacked leather handles.

[@knifetimestory]

Give it a try maybe. I really can't advise you. My Randall is 15 years old and never shrunk.

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

@@knifetimestory Appreciate your replies, thanks.

[@wazzeradk9398]

OMG. Near the end of this video I’m thinking, Tom’s gonna leave some beautiful knives for some lucky family member someday…..and then he blurts out the “we’re all dying bit”….lol

[@knifetimestory]

Tom always has a way of ruining the moment. Sorry about that. Glad you enjoyed though. Thanks for watching.

[@Xandrosi]

When I think Randall, I think collectable. There are companies that make knives with very similar designs and comparable materials for less money. If you're set on a design, get one of those and modify it. What am I missing?

[@knifetimestory]

Good question. But I think you’re missing a lot. The fact is I like Randall made knives and I actually use them and don’t put them in a display case or safe as you suggest because it is “a collectible”. I don’t buy knives to collect them, I buy them to use them. I enjoy using Randalls. There are a couple of quirky things about them that I don’t like, so because I have the skills and the knowledge and the tools and the wherewithal to do so, I modify them. And then I share that modification with my audience and if they choose to do the same sort of thing, I hope I help them in removing the stigma of modifying such an iconic knife and making it something that they will be able to use and enjoy for many years. I know there were tons of other knives out there, but I really like how the knife feels in my hand and The history of them and the performance of them… After I’ve tweaked them a little bit and improved them a little bit for me.

[@ypaulbrown]

Owner of. Model 10, 15, and fisherman

[@knifetimestory]

Nice. Not the "usual' ones but actually useful ones.

[@edrozenrozen9600]

There's plenty of custom sheath makers too.

[@knifetimestory]

Well aware of that. But, why not give my box of spare sheaths a try. Way less expensive 👍

[@augustus63]

I like your modifications. I'd do the same

[@knifetimestory]

They really make it a better knife!

[@c-459]

My Stag handle Arkansas Toothpick I had made many moons ago by Bo Randall is Sweet ❤️🇺🇸

[@knifetimestory]

That is awesome. Glad you have one.

[@brucebrunner3268]

Webster marble did invent the stacked Leather handle And it is copied by other knife makers!😮

[@knifetimestory]

Yep. Perhaps he could not patent it. Or was cool and just wanted people to have a great handle material, regardless of who was making the knife.

[@johnruiz6743]

Good for you! Nice mods, but with Randalls I keep mine stock in case I ever sell, which is not likely. Good Luck!

[@knifetimestory]

I don’t want mine to turn into family heirlooms. I want to use them. That’s the only reason why I do them. Thank you very much for watching and commenting!

[@TrashyButClassy1776]

There is a local shop here in Colorado that has like 6 or 7 different Randall knives. My god they are awesome. I’ve been hypnotized by the aesthetics and feel of firearms before but never knives. That just happened. Didn’t know the history behind the company but I think I’m going to get a couple!

[@knifetimestory]

They sure are a joy to look at. Glad you had a chance. I'm actually carrying my 5-4 today. Love it!

[@TrashyButClassy1776]

@@knifetimestoryfound a model 27 used with 2 sheaths for 500 at a local shop!!!! Do I need to keep my blade slightly oiled if I’m carrying it everyday? I’ve never owned a stainless steel blade. Thanks again!!

[@knifetimestory]

Nice going!!!👍🏻. Stainless means no oiling necessary. You are all set!!

[@brandonmitchell3617]

There is a neat shop taos new mexico that has 5 or 6 great randalls. Happen to be carrying my model 4 small fish and gamer when I stumbled across them

[@ROE1300]

👍 “We’re all dying”? Where did you hear that? Sounds very pessimistic to me. 🤷🏻‍♂️ We agree on a number of items mentioned in this video: 1) pouch sheaths & fixed blade knives belong together 2) stacked leather handles are great Note: stacked birch bark handles are better 3) short finger guards are better on hunting, fishing, camping, and cooking/kitchen knives 4) rounded edges are better than square edges One area where we possibly disagree is on this thing called “choking-up”. I believe it is silly. Hands belong on the handles, not on the blade. That is why they are called Hand-les! A properly designed knife does not need to be “choked-up” on. My biggest problem with all Randall knives is that big ugly chole, followed by the deep finger guard. Modifying knives to fit our individual needs and likes is a God-given right. Except, of course when someone drills a hole in the blade. I believe God just shakes his head when that happens. 😂😂😂 🎄MERRY CHRISTMAS🎅🏻 & 🎉HAPPY NEW YEAR🎉 to you and your family.

[@knifetimestory]

Always good to hear from you. Thank you. I will address each comment individually. 1. Effin' A. Glad you agree and are one of the ones that "gets it". 2. Ahhh. Glad you said that. I've seen them before, perhaps on a Helle knife. I will certainly seek one out and give it a whirl. Thanks for the reminder. 3. Darn right!! NEVER understood the extra 1/4 of a pound of brass Randall has always had on their knives. I get it that it is them sticking to tradition, and certainly, their sales numbers are just fine (6-year wait). So, that is why I strongly suggest to guys that it is okay to file, chop, cut, saw those things down!! 4. THANK YOU!!!!!! My #1 pet peeve. The only thing that should be sharp on a knife is the edge. Period!! Choking up. Yep, I was super against it 20 years ago. I've grown to accept it to a degree. Sometimes it just feels kinda neat to do it and for some tasks, it is necessary, if the knife is on the large side. I am leary of having my index finger right next to the edge. That is why I dull the corner and the first 1/8th of an inch of the blade should my finger move a little. So far, knock on wood, I've been unscathed. I totally agree with the huge choil and finger guard thing. I wrote an article about how the model 20 was initially designed and made with the absence of a choil, but over the years has morphed into a choil just like all their knives except for a few, like the Fireman. So, rather than deny myself the pleasure of using a knife that has those negatives, combined with the antiquated almost obsolete steel choice, I choose to make it a fun project and do the best I can to modify them into an actual knife you can use. Holes in blades are stupid, but fun. I can't help myself, even with God frowning down on me!! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well. I hope 2024 is a safe and sane year!!!

[@ROE1300]

@@knifetimestory Excellent response to my commentary. Proving once again you are a scholar & a gentleman. Best to you in 2024, I anxiously await your 1st video of the year.

[@knifetimestory]

Thank you. Very kind of you to say!

[@garytellep5392]

Your sheaths are the obvious give away, do you actually use these knives because they sure don't look like it. Most RMKs purchased today sit in drawers and safes and are collectables vs. users. A Rolex Submariner was a "tool" watch once too, today most of them have never see a bathroom shower. I bought my first RMK, a Model 8, 50 years ago in Alaska from Tom Leschorn, a good friend. You should know who the guy was. In my 50 years in AK I've used lots of good knives, RMKs among them. Don't let them go dull on you in the field. Those little sheath stones look cool but you'll be playing them a long time resharpening a RMK.

[@knifetimestory]

Well, you are misinformed on a few levels. First, I don't use the sheaths provided by Randall. They suck. Done a few videos about that. I use pouch sheaths. Secondly, you did not look at the thumbnail or knives in the video very closely. Lots of patina. Thirdly, you missed the fact I ground the finger guards off because I DO use my knives. Yes, I've heard of Tom Leshchorn. Surprised he did not sell you a Model 11 Alaskan Hunter. Oh, and I wear the hell out of my GMT Master II

[@garytellep5392]

@@knifetimestory I've owned a few M11s, none today and have an early M20, first batch early 60s, with the full belly and no cutout as designed by Ward Gay here in AK with a leather handle. The new WG specials made by RMK today are a poor tribute to the originals. Up here it's seldom you do any big game hunting without wearing a pack and that's where a sheath knife goes, inside the pack. Climbing into a pickup truck isn't much of a challenge, even in Bo Randall's day, but getting into a Super Cub is another thing altogether. And he flew J3s during Ww2 in Florida. Everybody with common sense carries a small pocket knife in their pocket, I like stockmen's, or a larger folder on the belt when flying - but a sheath knife goes inside a pack. Wearing a sheath knife is also fool hardy horseback. The mods you do to a RMK is fun for you, so have fun. Likewise sheaths. Personally if RMKs got enough critics they would have changed the styles long ago. Overall, with the price for a RMK and the long wait the last 20 years or so\ the reduced hilt extra charge is peanuts. You haven't spoken much about what kind of game you use your RMKs on, I suspect whitetail, perhaps an elk. And no chopping anything with a knife it's why God made axes and hatchets. Unless you are in a true survival situation. A good challenge for any knife, incl. any RMK is a good sized AK moose. I spent the 1970s wearing an early Seiko Diver, about $100 in the PX. Rolex's were 3x that. In hindsight today of course an investment but timepieces were abused and f/d up then. Rolexes and Omegas were users. Why spend more? By the early 1980s - most divers and military were into Casio G-Shocks and still are. Look at what soldiers are wearing in BUDS, or RASP, or Q courses - i G-Shocks, not even a Seiko anymore. Or Garmins or Suuntos, the modern tool watch. And dive computers were the death blow for dive watches anyway. And after a decade in the Army, deployed several times, the # of RMKs I saw you could count on one hand.

[@dreadnoughtforge5911]

Sounds like this guy is just a frustrated knife maker- title of video is misleading- it should be what i would do if i was in charge of Randall... a self centered look at some randall knives- no info about randall themselves

[@knifetimestory]

With your obvious vast experience at titling all 11 of your videos, what do you think it should be? I'm open to all constructive criticism.

[@willcagle-t9q]

So you mod your knifes better then Randall… and your not hurting the value… sure.,,,.

[@knifetimestory]

Nope, my mods are better "Than" Randall. First of all, I don't buy them to be heirlooms or for resale. I buy them to use them just like a Spyderco or Benchmade. The minute you sharpen or use either of them, you are hurting the value. I treat Randalls the same way. Use them and enjoy them. So yes, my mods make the knife better for me. Maybe not you, but certainly for me. Thanks for watching!!